Do you play transfers?
If you play the modern game of transfers over no-trumps, do you have an agreement with your partner how to show your major suits. The following auctions suggest possible continuations over a natural no-trump (1 or 2):
1NT 2D 2H ?
| 2 | 5 hearts + 4 spades forcing |
| 2NT | 5H 11-12 HCPs semi-balanced (invitational) |
| 3 | 5 hearts + 4 clubs forcing |
| 3 | 5 hearts + 4 diamonds forcing |
| 3 | 6 hearts invitational |
| 3 | splinter - game going and possibly slam if hands fit well |
| 3NT | 5 hearts 13-15 HCPs semi-balanced (offering choice of games) |
| 4 | splinter - game going and possibly slam if hands fit well |
| 4 | splinter - game going and possibly slam if hands fit well |
| 4 | Sign off |
1NT 2H 2S ?
| 2NT | 5 spades 11-12 HCPs semi-balanced (invitational) |
| 3 | 5 spades + 4 clubs forcing |
| 3 | 5 spades + 4 diamonds forcing |
| 3 | 5 spades + 4 hearts forcing |
| 3 | 6 spades invitational |
| 3NT | 5 spades 13-15 HCPs semi-balanced (offering choice of games) |
| 4 | splinter - game going and possibly slam if hands fit well |
| 4 | splinter - game going and possibly slam if hands fit well |
| 4 | splinter - game going and possibly slam if hands fit well (dangerous bid - must trust partner with this type of bid!) |
| 4 | Sign off |
To show 5-5 in majors (or 6 spades + 5 hearts) with a game going hand - transfer to spades and bid hearts twice:
1NT 2H 2S 3H 3NT 4HTo show 5-6 in majors (or 5 spades + 6 hearts) with a game going hand - transfer to hearts and bid spades twice!:
1NT 2D 2H 2S 3NT 4SNote: Partner would be obliged to bid at the 5-level to be in the best fit if he were to be 2-2 in the majors! Is your hand strong enough for this action? Due to this problem, I've never heard this auction. Perhaps the sequence ought to be used as a slam try. I suggest you discuss it with your partner(s).
1NT 2C 2D 3H(3S)shows 6-4 in the majors (you jump in the 6-card suit) - forcing to game.
Note: If you are not strong enough to insist on game, you will need to invite via the transfer route (see above).
2NT 3D 3H ?
| 3 | 5 hearts + 4 spades forcing - slam possible |
| 3NT | Gives choice of games (5 hearts semi-balanced) |
| 4 | 5 hearts + 4 clubs forcing - slam possible |
| 4 | 5 hearts + 4 diamonds forcing - slam possible |
| 4 | Sign off |
2NT 3H 3S ?
| 3NT | Gives choice of games (5 spades semi-balanced) |
| 4 | 5 spades + 4 clubs forcing - slam possible |
| 4 | 5 spades + 4 diamonds forcing - slam possible |
| 4 | 5 spades + 5 hearts choice of games (see 2NT-3S below) |
| 4 | Sign off |
2NT 3SEssentially shows 5 spades + 4 hearts - game forcing
Opener could bid 3NT if 2-3-4-4 or 2-3-3-5 or 2-3-5-3. However if responder is 6-5 or 6-4 the bidding could continue:
2NT 3S 3NT 4HShows 6 spades + 5 hearts game going only
2NT 3S 3NT 4SSign off - shows 6 spades + 4 hearts
created by Tony Poole.
URL: http://www.hiltonproperty.co.uk/bridge
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